What Can I Do If I'm Afraid of Giving Birth?

Often, the more we know, the more prepared we feel. That is true when knowing what to expect at each stage of childbirth. The Mayo Clinic outlines the various stages. Let's review.

Some women go for days in early labor, others only hours. It can range in comfort to pain. The earliest contractions may feel like period cramps that are spaced out in regular intervals, then they become closer together and more intense over time.

Contractions cause the cervix to open and soften. Most women remain at home during early labor. The following may help you feel more comfortable:

• Go for a walk.
• Take a shower or bath.
• Listen to relaxing music.
• Try breathing or relaxation techniques taught in childbirth class.
• Get into different positions, such as standing, swaying, squatting, and kneeling
• Squeeze a comb (it sounds silly, but it can help distract from contractions).
• Ask your partner to apply counter-pressure (For example, if you have lower back pain, ask your partner to apply pressure to your lower back during a contraction.

During active labor, contractions become stronger and closer together. This stage happens more quickly and is often the most painful. Your body begins to respond more to labor with the possibility of leg cramps, an upset stomach, or feeling pressure in your back.

Your baby is moving down the birth canal as your body prepares for delivery. The length of active labor will differ for each woman.

If you're in a hospital setting, your health care team may try different strategies to move it along if you're starting to get tired or it seems to be taking a while.

Stage 2. Childbirth

The time you deliver after you are fully dilated can be short or last for a few hours. This is when your healthcare professional will ask you to push. They will help position you and provide guidance so your pushes are effective.

After your baby's head is delivered, the shoulders are delivered. The rest of the baby's body follows shortly after.

You typically deliver the placenta within 30 minutes. You will continue to have mild, less painful contractions after delivery. The contractions help move the placenta through the birth canal.

Your healthcare provider will ensure the placenta is delivered intact to prevent complications.

There are both medical and natural ways to minimize the pain. Many different medical pain interventions can help manage pain. The most common one is an epidural (regional anesthesia).

Natural pain relievers can include a massage, a warm bath or shower, rocking on an exercise/birthing ball, and practicing deep breathing exercises. Free online and in-person classes help you learn other simple breathing techniques. Consider the Lamaze or Bradley methods.

If you want to schedule a free and confidential appointment, please call 732-516-0911. We will be happy to answer your questions.

In addition, Choices offers educational classes that teach you about prenatal care, childbirth, and newborn care. Once you've attended classes, you can receive free items from our Baby Boutique.

We also have a Board-Certified Lactation Consultant who can teach you about breastfeeding. Speak to a caring advocate at Choices Options for Women to get all the help you need.